Sarah Henderson (Corangamite, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. Will the Prime Minister update the House on the government's response to the devastation caused by Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu and other Pacific Island countries?

Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I do thank the member for Corangamite for her question. I can inform the House that the most destructive cyclone in memory has hit Vanuatu, and Australia is responding swiftly and comprehensively. I can inform the House that yesterday three Royal Australian Air Force aircraft landed in Vanuatu with a medical assessment team, a search-and-rescue team and emergency supplies—food, water, sanitation and shelter—for up to 5,000 people. Today there will be two further Royal Australian Air Force flights into Vanuatu with further emergency supplies. As well, there will be an aerial reconnaissance flight over the outlying islands. As well, we have pledged $5 million towards humanitarian assistance, principally delivered through non-government organisations.

Yesterday I spoke with the Prime Minister of Vanuatu to convey Australia's sympathy and readiness to assist. Together with New Zealand, the United Kingdom and France, we will continue to monitor the humanitarian impact of the cyclone and what can best be done to respond. I am advised that there are about 1,500 Australians known to be in Vanuatu. If people cannot contact their family and friends directly, they should contact the Department of Foreign Affairs consular emergency centre, which will do what it can to assist. Tuvalu has also been affected by Cyclone Pam, and Australia is working with New Zealand to support relief efforts there.

Today our thoughts are also with the people of the north-west of Western Australia, who are cleaning up the damage caused by Cyclone Olwyn. Last night I spoke to the member for Durack, who advises that the agricultural and horticultural industries of the Gascoyne region have been very hard hit. The situation there is still being assessed, but in the meantime we all should salute the emergency services personnel, including volunteers, who are, as always, performing magnificently in our time of need.